Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

Why is there no longer a ‘My Booking’ link?

A:

We are currently undergoing improvements to our website. Some actions such as accessing your booking, making further payments or viewing your travel itinerary are not currently available. Should you have any queries regarding your booking, or wish to make a further payment, please contact our Travel Centre on 13 21 47 (+61 8 8213 4401 outside Australia). Please note if your booking was made via an agent, you will need to contact your booking agent for further information. We do apologise for any inconvenience.

Q:

Where can I view all stations where boarding/disembarking is permitted on The Overland?

A:

The Overland Timetable is located on the Fares and Timetables page. For travel to/from stations other than Adelaide Parklands Terminal or Melbourne Southern Cross, please contact our Travel Centre on 13 21 47.

Q:

I have booked my rail holiday online, how do I add my accommodation and touring?

A:

Great Southern Rail offers a wide range of accommodation and touring options. We would be happy to assist you with booking your holiday. Please contact our Travel Centre on 13 21 47.

Q:

Are there vehicle storage facilities for Motorail in Adelaide, Darwin and Perth?

A:

There are no vehicle storage facilities. Vehicles must be dropped off within the timeframe specified and collected within an hour of the train's arrival.

Q:

When will I receive my final Travel Itinerary

A:

Your travel itinerary is emailed approximately 45 days prior to departure, to the email address provided at the time of booking or to your travel agent.

Q:

How much luggage can I take?

A:

Luggage limits apply for both carry on and checked luggage. These limits vary depending on the level of service you are travelling in and by train. See What to Pack for more details.

Q:

Can I pre-book my Off-Train Excursions?

A:

Off Train Excursions preferences can only be organised once on board the train and are not able to be pre-booked. The only exception to this is for The Ghan Expedition, where the Uluru Scenic Flight can be booked via our Travel Centre (13 21 47).

Q:

Is Wi-Fi available on board the train?

A:

No, currently Wi-Fi is not available on any of Great Southern Rail's services.

Q:

Is smoking permitted on board the train?

A:

No, smoking is not permitted on any of Great Southern Rail's services.

Q:

What time can I check in for my train departure?

A:

Check in for your rail journey opens approximately two hours prior to your scheduled departure time. We ask all guests to check in at least 60 minutes prior to departure to be welcomed onboard. Please bring your travel itinerary and Photo I.D.

Q:

Can I fly out the same day as the train arrives?

A:

We want you to enjoy your journey without concerns over flight times. We therefore would recommend you allow for an overnight stop before connecting to domestic or international flights. Great Southern Rail does not accept liability for any missed connections due to late train arrivals.

Q:

Do I need any cash or credit cards onboard?

A:

As our journeys are all-inclusive you will not need to buy anything unless you choose to purchase an Off Train Excursion upgrade or souvenirs, which you can do onboard utilising our EFTPOS or credit card facilities. Unfortunately we are unable to provide any cash out on our trains.

Q:

Is there a standard of dress onboard?

A:

It is your holiday and we want you to be comfortable so smart casual attire is recommended. We recommend warm clothes for Outback Experiences as mornings and evenings in the Outback can be cool. We also recommend you pack a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes for your Off Train Excursions.

Q:

What weather should I pack for?

A:

Travelling from one end of the country to the other can provide a variation in climates. On The Ghan you can experience mid-30 degree temperatures in Darwin or Katherine and 4 degree nights/early mornings in the desert during your Outback Experiences in Marla or Manguri. On the Indian Pacific, the summer months in Adelaide and Perthaverage around 30 degrees while temperatures at night on the Nullarbor at places like Rawlinna and Cook can average as low as 5 degrees during winter months. So it is best to pack everything you need plus a warm jacket or jumper, enclosed shoes, a hat and sunscreen into your carry-on luggage.

Q:

What is the temperature on board the train?

A:

All our services are air-conditioned, with the temperature averaging 22 degrees. We recommend packing layers of clothing for the different temperatures (inside and outside the train).

Q:

What are the meal times onboard the train (Indian Pacific/The Ghan)?

A:

In your cabin when you first board the train, you will find a card with the breakfast, lunch and dinner meal times for your journey. Your On-Board Attendant will advise you of the process. If you have any special requests regarding meal times, please speak with a member of our On-Board team.

Q:

What special dietary requirements can be accommodated on board the train?

A:

Most special dietary requirements can be accommodated. Please ensure this is advised at the time of booking. Vegetarian, gluten free, lactose free and vegan meals are standard requests that can be accommodated. For further information, please contact our Travel Centre on 13 21 47.

Q:

Can I take any pets or animals onboard?

A:

No, the only animals permitted on GSR train services are specially trained dogs for the vision and hearing impaired.

Q:

Is medical assistance available?

A:

To ensure your safety and well-being, our staff members onboard are trained to administer basic first aid. We also have a specially modified wheelchair onboard for those who have mobility issues or require a carer. You can also check inyour wheelchair, walking frame or scooter to be stored as luggage to save you arranging alternate assistance yourself.

Q:

Is parking available at the railway station?

A:

We have short term parking available at all terminals so you can have your family or friends see you depart at the beginning of your journey. We do not recommend leaving your car at our terminals for extended periods of time.

Q:

Can I store my luggage at the railway station?

A:

As each terminal provides a different experience, it depends on where you are departing from.Luggage can be checked into all terminals 2 hours prior to departure.Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Alice Springs: You are able to store your luggage 2 hours prior to departure at the terminal.Sydney: There are luggage storage facilities available through NSW TrainLink at their luggage check-in area adjacent Platform 1 at a cost of $4.40 per person.Katherine: there are no luggage storage facilities available at our Katherine Terminal.What is the address of the terminal?Adelaide: Adelaide Parklands Terminal, Keswick, South AustraliaPerth: East Perth Station, West Parade, East Perth, Western AustraliaSydney: Sydney Central Station, Sydney, New South WalesAlice Springs: Alice Springs Train Station, George Crescent, Alice Springs, Northern TerritoryKatherine: Katherine Railway Station, Railway Terrace Katherine, Northern TerritoryDarwin: Darwin Train Station, Salloo Street (off Berrimah Road), East Arm, Northern Territory

Q:

What cabins are available for those with a mobility or disability issues?

A:

The Ghan and Indian Pacific have a Gold Access Cabin available for wheelchair bound/physically impaired guests travelling in Gold Service. This cabin is subject to availability and assessment of the guest's Fitness to Travel.